Man as a trinity. That the human soul and spirit are not identical is proved by the facts that they are divisible, (Heb 4:12), and that soul and spirit are sharply distinguished in the burial and resurrection of the body. It is sown a natural body (Greek, "soma psuchikon" meaning "soul-body"), it is raised a spiritual body (Greek, "soma pneumatikon" meaning "spirit-body"). (Co1 15:44).

To assert, therefore, that there is no difference between soul and spirit is to assert that there is no difference between the mortal body and the resurrection body. In Scripture use, the distinction between spirit and soul may be traced. Briefly, that distinction is that the spirit is that part of man which "knows" (Co1 2:11) his mind; the soul is the seat of the affections, desires, and so of the emotions, and of the active will, the self. "My soul is exceeding sorrowful" (Mat 26:38).

Because man is "spirit", he is capable of God-consciousness, and of communication with God; (Job 32:8); (Psa 18:28); (Pro 20:27); because he is "soul", he has self-consciousness; (Psa 13:2); (Psa 42:5); (Psa 42:6); (Psa 42:11); and, because he is "body", he has, through his senses, world consciousness.